But his own criminal record includes 13 arrests, a burglary conviction, and five years probation for cocaine trafficking between 1980 and 1993.

Sitton was permitted to join the board, whose president, Jim Garland, said he was aware of Sitton's past. But this election cycle, his criminal history was reported in a string of anonymous letters to league parents and the St. Petersburg Times.

The voting ended and the ballots were counted Monday at the league's field on Seven Springs Road in New Port Richey. Sitton left that evening angry, saying he did not yet know the results of the election. Garland declined to comment.

The returns were announced at the season's closing ceremony Wednesday.

Reached by phone Thursday, Sitton declined to comment.

Isaac Arnsdorf can be reached at iarnsdorf@sptimes.com or (727) 869-6232.